Hello to all the dreamers and trailblazers out there! I’m Chanel Minnifield, passionately pursuing my 2028 Olympic dreams and aiming to reshape the equestrian world. As a Black woman navigating a traditionally homogenous field, my journey is more than just personal achievement – it's a heartfelt mission to inspire change and empower diversity within the equestrian community.

Meet Digital Soldier, My Partner in Change

Courtesy of Chanel Minnifield

I'd like to share the heartwarming journey of a very special horse, Digital Soldier, or as we affectionately call him, Digi. Digi's story began in the echoes of hooves thundering across Golden Gate Fields, where he raced his last in 2024. It's a tale tinged with nostalgia as the closure of such an iconic track marked the end of an era but also the start of a new chapter for Digi. Born and bred in Washington by the caring hands of Shawn Hanson, Digi left the racing silks behind with a bright future ahead of him in equestrian events.

Thanks to his previous handlers' loving care, his transition from track life to our arms was smooth. Digi’s pivot from racer to rising star symbolizes hope and new beginnings. His next challenge: the Kentucky Thoroughbred Makeover, part of the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP), which redefines retired racers' lives, offering them a stage to showcase their versatility and spirit.

Digi’s background is as rich as his personality. His sire, Goldencents, passed down a fiery spirit that Digi carries gracefully, and born from the lineage of Empire Maker, Digi was destined for greatness. His breeders, Todd and Shawn Hansen, chose the CARMA placement program to ensure he found a life after racing filled with care and adventure, leading him straight to us.

Zen Heart Horsemanship: A Beacon of Change

As the co-founder of Zen Heart Horsemanship, I am deeply committed to disrupting the status quo in the equestrian industry. Our nonprofit is a testament to the power of inclusivity, focusing intensely on enriching the sport through the lenses of BIPOC individuals who aspire to compete and excel. Zen Heart is not just an organization; it’s a movement, championing the cause of accessibility and representation in a world ripe for change.

Additionally, we are dedicated to providing second careers for Off-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs), guiding them from racetrack retirees to show jumping contenders. This transformative journey not only offers these horses a new lease on life but also showcases their remarkable versatility and capacity for excellence in new disciplines.

A Bond Forged in Trust and Joy

From the moment Digi and I started our journey together, it was clear that our connection was destined to be profound. Our initial days were woven with sessions of quiet bonding, where sitting with him while he ate wasn’t just about companionship – it was about building an unshakeable trust. Each playful encounter, each obstacle overcome, brought us closer, turning challenges into triumphs and fear into bravery.

Digi’s enthusiasm is infectious. His love for red buckets and joy in our round pen games remind me daily of the purity and sincerity of our goals. He doesn’t just learn from me; he inspires me, pushing me to advocate for every Thoroughbred’s potential to be recognized and revered.

The Road Ahead

Courtesy of Chanel Minnifield

As we gear up for the Thoroughbred Makeover, our preparation goes beyond physical training. It’s a spiritual, emotional journey that challenges us to be better, to do more for the sport we love. This competition is not merely about performance – it’s about proving the worth of second chances and celebrating the indomitable spirit of Thoroughbreds.

This quest is laden with the promise of breaking barriers and constructing a legacy not just of victory, but of impactful, enduring change. As we advance towards the 2028 Olympics, our path is paved with hopes, challenges, and the shared dreams of a community that believes in the beauty of diversity.

Stay tuned as we gallop towards a horizon filled with dreams and opportunities. Join us as we continue this incredible journey, transforming every obstacle into a steppingstone for growth and every triumph into a beacon of diversity and strength.

Together, let's ride towards a future where every stride tells a story of courage, change, and unconditional love. Here's to living our dreams, riding beyond boundaries, and reshaping the world – one hoofbeat at a time.